Teachings of “The Prophet” William Branham – Branham was an important figure in the Latter Rain movement, a clairvoyant who masqueraded as a Christian faith healer. Branham taught a variety of antichrist heresies, which the linked articles details.

Latter Rain was what today is called New Apostolic Reformation, IHOP, International House of Prayer and Dominion Theology. Even many aspects of the Word Faith “prosperity gospel” preachers began in the Latter Rain. Branham was believed because of his healing ministry, even though his theology contradicted the Bible. This demonstrates that many people will follow signs and wonders regardless of what the Bible says.

Of course, the Bible tells us that in the last days, this will be the condition of the apostate Church.

If the reader comes across the phrase “Haters are gonna hate,” probably the best advice is: FLEE! “Haters” is usually shorthand for “Those nasty people who can’t appreciate what I’m saying.” or “How dare you disagree with me!” or (if one is or pretending to be a Christian) “I’m sincere! Don’t use your Bible against me!”

The ones throwing around the “hater” (or “h8r”) labels are usually the same ones who are the most unbiblical. “Hater” is their protection against criticism for not rightly handling the Word of God.

Yes, Jesus did say “If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” [John 15:18]

But those truly being hated for the name of Jesus–as opposed to those hating the name of Jesus–pretty much knew the job was dangerous before they took it.

They are NOT standing around writing and complaining about the “haters.”

Lewis and the Bible – A resourceful essay comparing the work of C.S. Lewis and the Bible on a website called The Morning Star (part of the Middle Earth Network).

Questions are then posed which are easily answered IF ONLY one would consult that quaint book known as the Bible.

“What are we doing that our culture is asking those questions of us as followers of Christ?”

“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.”
—John 15:18

“What does this mean for us as the body of Christ?”

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
—John 16:33

How can we respond to those search questions like Jesus?

If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
—John 15:19

That’s a start.

Is this too harsh?

Time is short.

The world hates Christians. The only reason some are not aware of this situation is because compromise allows those sitting in church pews to live in the world, enjoy the world and have friendship with the world while maintaining the illusion that they buddies with Jesus.

“Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”
—James 4:4

Nowhere is compromise and friendship with the world more on display than in America. What “The American Dream” or the “Good Life” really means is “Friendship with the World.”

“Get serious. James 4:4 isn’t literal! How do they expect us to live? This is 2014 after all!”

This writer once heard a pastor preach on how right it was to keep a job where a person was required to work on Sundays. Obviously, people had come to him with this on their minds: their conscience had bothered them.

The pastor pronounced it a right thing to keep the job. He even quoted from the Book of the World: “You gotta do what you gotta do.”

The pastor’s word seared their conscience, presumably so the person could keep working, keep contributing.

There’s a time coming when the “Christian” will no longer be able to lie to himself about his friendship with the world. He will have to make a choice and openly declare which is the most important: Jesus or the world.

The Bible tells us that most will continue to lie to themselves; that they can declare for the world and still have the friendship of Jesus. They do not believe their Bibles or else they believe that they are a “special case.”

Perhaps they have been taught that grace conquers all?

“Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you;”
—John 15:20
“An exercise that will break your heart?”

No. An exercise whose questions that should make Christians shout “Hallelujah!”–because if the Bible is true about the world hating the followers of Jesus, then doubters can be assured that the many glorious promises it contains are also true.

“…choose you this day whom ye will serve… but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.”
—Joshua 24:15

Chris Christie calls for more aggressive foreign policy – Is Christie the Strong Leader Americans are being taught to hunger for after the 8 years of Barack Obama playing the part of President MomJeans? It’s strongly suspected that the next president is being set up to lead America into foreign adventures.

The Corporate Media and Barack Obama have taught Americans to despise metrosexuals as leaders. Barack Obama has played the part of the preening, arrogant 21st century Jimmy Carter wonderfully–he really does deserve an award for acting. But there is still plenty of time left for something to go awry and for Obama to exacerbate the situation–priming frustrated Americans to elect a No-Nonsense Strong Leader. Then, Americans will cheer as Mr. No-Nonsense takes on the Muslims in the Middle East.

The Five Biggest Lies about Liberalism – Written by a “conservative”–or one playing the part. The Corporate Media churns out articles like this 24/7 every day, day after day. Their purpose? To further the false dichotomy of Conservative vs Liberal. This splits the country–at least the part of the country that identifies even casually with politics–into two opposing camps. The sad reality of the entire situation: both groups always have a zillion ready reasons why they are ineffective and cannot accomplish what they had previously promised, vowed, solemnly swore, etc..

Except when they are fundraising–then all doubt is gone! If only the donors will open their wallets, great and glorious things might be accomplished (through them, of course) for the Land of the Free. The heavy hitters of both sides alternately threaten/promise and the other side uses what they say to raise great wads of cash in order to prevent the other side from carrying through with their widely-promoted threats.

As the day draws near and we are barreling toward a certain and inevitable judgment, I’ve found myself contemplating what the judgment of God looks like more often than I would like. It is not merely a philosophical or intellectual exercise, but a true and honest searching, especially in light of the fact that everywhere you turn you have preachers and pastors calling one thing or another the judgment of God, then summarily retract their statement and apologize for their insensitivity the following day.

How can we define the judgment of God? Will we know it when we see it? Will it look like what we’ve always expected it to look like, or will it be something wholly unprecedented?

Saving Marriage – Marriage has been in trouble. How long until “something else” replaces marriage? When that “something else” occurs, look out. Will God allow it to get to that point? Is it to that point already?

20 Interesting facts with sources – The Internet has become a ghetto of interesting fact websites. The majority of these sites recycle the same “facts”–a great many which simply are not. This site is different: it provides sources for its facts. That was a novel enough approach to warrant a link.

IHOP isn’t your regular Sunday morning church, and neither are its off-shoots. How many churches do you know that have armed guards and escort folks who are asking questions, off of the premises? Isn’t the entire foundation of Christianity based upon a “seek and ye will find” premise? That doesn’t seem to apply at the International House of Prayer, where if ye seek ye will be thrown out by thy armed security guards. Something’s wrong with this picture.

Members of these groups believe they have been hand-selected by God to pray in the Apocalypse, the Second Coming of Christ and become a raised up End-Times army. They are taught to expect opposition from those that are not chosen of God. The greater the opposition, the greater the proof they are on the ordained path.

Former member, Beth Cavete, blogged this: “To discern IHOPKC’s fruit, you need to track its impact. Not its entrants. Despite all their protests, Tyler and Bethany Deaton are IHOPKC’s fruit. After almost a decade of faithful ingestion of their teachings, Tyler’s blog was in its doctrinal skeleton, pure IHOPKC doctrine. The perverse “cult” was formed years after their whole-hearted jump into IHOPKC teaching, doctrines, and practices. THIS CANNOT BE IGNORED. The bright new faces are not IHOPKC’s fruit, the state of the faithful adherents over years are.”

This is the highjacking of Christianity which is taking place before the eyes of the people who sit in the pews of American Christian churches. Self-appointed self-anointed “apostles and prophets” are poised for a takeover of the Church. The Bible foretold it. Take heed.

Historical Accuracy of the Bible revealed – Although it should be pointed out that one’s faith–contrary to the contention in this article–should not be based on whether men consider the Bible “historically accurate.”

“To be divinely inspired, a book must be historically accurate.”

Validating the Bible by holding it up to the flawed measurements of men (history–which has proved to be very elusive) is a recipe for disaster. The Bible is validated as the Word of God and is the measurement by which one can validate the truth of history. Not vice versa. Using the world’s measuring sticks puts one at the mercy of the world–of which the author may or may be aware.

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:”
-–1 Corinthians 15:1-4 – (h/t:B)

Evolution, Quantum Physics and the New Age/New Spirituality – The link is repeated because this writer noticed a few hours ago that one social media site had a category for submissions titled “Astrology/Physics.” Isn’t that odd? That spirituality and science would be so blatantly linked together? That just happens to be the subject of the linked article.

An article by G. Richard Fisher .Many Christians uncritically accept the writings of Watchman Nee even though few know anything about his background. Many are impressed by the volume of his work and the dogmatism and feeling of deep spirituality that characterize his writings. His ideas and books still influence charismatics, fundamentalists and people in between.

“one need not be a theologian to discover that his teachings call for scrutiny and caution by Christians”

But one need not be a theologian to discover that his teachings call for scrutiny and caution by Christians. Much can be learned about Nee from a cursory reading of some of his books and the writings of others who were around him. These show that his theology developed through encounters with four different people and it was from these that he “borrowed” ideas extensively. Each new book seemed to develop from “discoveries”…

When I first became a Christian, someone recommended the books of Watchman Nee. I bought a half dozen or so. They seemed very spiritual. However, as I studied the Word more, it became apparent that there were problems. I eventually got rid of of all of his books.

Widely read Christian author with some controversial teachings. Nee required blanket, unquestioning obedience. He also taught that all Christians must have a “Covering” – a person who has delegated authority, must be obeyed unconditionally, and who must be imitated. This “covering” does not stop with matters of faith and doctrine, but also extends to personal and secular matters (such as choice of employment, place to live, whether or not to marry, etc.) In addition, Nee taught there should only be one congregation in each city. Whenever Nee’s followers moved into a city, they proclaimed themselves as the only church approved by God in that city. . . Under the leadership of Nee’s disciple and co-worker, Witness Lee, his house church movement, the Local Church (known to it’s followers as “The Lord’s Recovery”) later also became controversial.

Nee had many similar precepts to the International House of Prayer (IHOP)–especially the one approved citywide church concept. Is Mike Bickle a fan of Watchman Nee?!?

This is a good article with some excellent points and a history of where Nee picked up his theology.

Related articles

Many Christians uncritically accept the writings of Watchman Nee even though few know anything about his background. Many are impressed by the volume of his work and the dogmatism and feeling of deep spirituality that characterize his writings. His ideas and books still influence charismatics, fundamentalists and people in between.

one need not be a theologian to discover that his teachings call for scrutiny and caution by Christians

But one need not be a theologian to discover that his teachings call for scrutiny and caution by Christians. Much can be learned about Nee from a cursory reading of some of his books and the writings of others who were around him. These show that his theology developed through encounters with four different people and it was from these that he “borrowed” ideas extensively. Each new book seemed to develop from “discoveries”…

Language about being “Joel’s army in training” (a phrase stripped in Bickle’s current view of the ‘latter rain’ theology it originally supported), ‘the end time generation,’ or the ‘point of the arrow’ in God’s activity on earth, all give members of IHOP purpose and motivation.

As “forerunners” we were told that we were the elite of our generation. I found my identity as one of the “chosen” who would call forth an end-times worship movement that would topple every other false religion, and any other peace-seeking initiative that did not blatantly speak of Jesus. Intellectual and logical thought was relegated as subservient to the greater, spiritual goal of unlocking the door to “real” spirituality.

5. Has your church placed an emphasis on “signs and wonders” and miracles–including the raising of the dead?

At our Signs & Wonders Camps, children are trained and released to be wholeheartedly devoted to God. Our vision is to see one million children radically committed to Jesus, walking in the power of the Holy Spirit, and moving in signs and wonders.

A Satan is raising up a demonically inspired worship and prayer movement under the leadership of the Anti-Christ and the False Prophet that will release unprecedented demonic power and evil on the earth.

5 As the church enters into her identity as a prayer movement led by prophetic singers and musicians (Is.42:10-15; Ps.149:6-9;Rev.5:9-10; 15:3-4 etc), there will be a crescendo of prayer and worship on the earth, in concert with the prayer movement in Heaven, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, which will release God’s judgments against His enemies and inaugurate the Millennial Kingdom.

WHORE OF BABYLON: Christians beware!

7. Has your church placed an emphasis on revival without repentance? Has repentance received lip service? On unity at all costs?

In his article, Tietz talks of Deaton’s end times preparedness training. This sounds exceedingly startling in most secular and Christian contexts, yet at IHOP, it was par for the course. IHOP had a whole ministry working at the time, Crisis Response International (CRI), devoted to crisis training and end times preparedness. A former staff member told of multiple staff meetings where pamphlets were distributed with information about how to prepare for the physical demands of a crisis. The idea of getting ready, physically and emotionally, was not a stretch for Deaton or his group.

8. Is your church the recipient of special knowledge or revelation that other Christian churches don’t have? Special experiences?

Ultimately, churches who will make up the “cells” of the whore Church will be gnostic in outlook: separated from the true Body of Christ by their belief in secret knowledge and experiences and special revelation from God. These churches will continually be told they are special. Mysticism will be exalted, the Word of God will be de-emphasized and fasting and other ascetic pursuits will be emphasized.

Elitism, gnostic secret knowledge of the end times, special religious experiences, etc. all differentiated IHOP and those like them from the rest of the American church.

One of the biggest draws for gnosticism is that it makes people feel special. It makes people feel special. The focus is on an internal feeling, and the demand to see personal revelation as if it were a doorway to a greater walk with God.

IHOP is certainly no stranger to controversy and has come under fire since the ’80′s. Founder, Mike Bickle, admits that the entire operation has been built upon the prophetic visions of Bob Jones and Paul Cain, both of whom “have been discredited as dangerous false prophets.” Further scrutiny came with the Gruen Report and the secrecy surrounding Bickle’s Blueprint Prophesy, a document supposedly given to him by God, but has been altered three times to fit the ever-changing make-up of current Christianity. Investigative findings and testimonies from ex-IHOP members lend credence to the speculation that something dangerous is happening behind closed doors, though IHOP denies all claims against them and takes drastic measures to distance itself from controversial issues, such as the starvation death of baby Jeremiah Candler and the murder of Bethany Deaton. In both cases, IHOP stated the persons involved were not members, though evidence suggests otherwise.

BONUS QUESTION #11 – Does your church emphasize praise and worship to the exclusion of the Word of God? Do your church services often consist of nothing more than praise and worship? Does your praise and worship take up over half of your service? Is the Word of God being de-emphasized over the experiences and revelations of emotional worship?

“Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;”
—2 Thessalonians 2:3

The apostle Paul tells us that the “temple of God” is not a building made with human hands, but the church of God. The man of sin will rise up from out of the midst of the end times apostate Church: the whore of Babylon the Great.

“Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”—2 Thessalonians 2:4

Satan is raising up an end times army to subjugate the world.

“and all the world wondered after the beast. And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him? And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations. And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.”—Revelation 13:3-4,7-8

Many of those in this end times satanic army will come from those who once sat in Christian churches.

“Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;”
—1 Timothy 4:1

“And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another.”
—Matthew 24:10

Because these folks had not a love of the truth, God will send them strong delusion so that many believe the lie of their desire. Because of this delusion, all will remain deceived into thinking they serve the God of the Bible when, in fact they are serving Satan. Because they didn’t have a love of the truth, they all are damned.

“because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”
—2 Thessalonians 2:10-12

Satan is raising up an end times army. His end times army is even now preparing the way for the coming of the man of sin and his apostate whore Church. This army will claim dominion over the entire earth. This army will be filled with people who are deceived. This army will claim to be from God Almighty, but the Bible says this army will be of a false god: Satan, the dragon, the prince of this world.

The army will claim that it needs to “reclaim the culture for God.” The army will claim to receive its authority from self-appointed, self-anointed prophets and apostles.

The army will claim it has dominion over the earth.

The Bible tells believers this deceived end times army WILL take dominion over every kindred, tongue and nation.

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, And deceiveth them that dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the beast;”
—Revelation 13:11, 13-14

Satan’s whore Church will fool many into believing it is from God. It will ask people to obtain the Mark of God for themselves and their family–so they’ll be “protected.”

They all claim they will take dominion over the earth before Jesus comes back. The Bible says an end times Church will take dominion and rule the world: the whore Church.

This last phase of divine war was entered into when IHOP got going. Bickle teaches we will release God’s end-time judgments (written about in The Revelation) because of the power of prophetic prayer. Bickle has never been one to let context get in his way. It does not matter that the context of Rev. 8 plainly states that it is an angel that God uses to release His judgments (Rev. 8:1-5) not some army of super-saints.

It all boils down to human works. […] I hope you noted who does the work in Bickle’s scheme of thinking. We do the work, poor Jesus is just sitting on the right hand of His Father (Hebrews 8:1) in the throne room of heaven waiting for us to grow up and act right.
—IHOP’s Three Ingredients which move the hand of God

They all claim they are working for Jesus. The Bible says they are clever counterfeits. Their operation will look like Christianity (lamb) but it will speak and be from Satan (dragon).

“And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon.”
—Revelation 13:11

SATAN IS RAISING UP AN ARMY: Is God raising up an end times army? What does the Bible say?

Satan’s troops are gathering. They go by many names. They all scheme for earthly power and the things of this world–which is why earthly dominion, power, miracles, signs and wonders are so important to them.

This end times satanic army will claim to be “the army of God.” However, it will be an army of men, by men and for men–and controlled by the devil and his counterfeit, lying spirits. This army will include many elements of the demonic.

This army, this church, claims it will “pray down the judgments of God” on the antichrist.

III.PRIMARY FUNCTIONS OF THE PRAYER MOVEMENT IN THE BOOK OF REVELATION

The primary function of the End – Time Prayer Movement is to pray for God’s Kingdom to be established on earth as it is in Heaven (Matt.6:10; Eph 1:9-10). Specifically, the Prayer Movement is pictured in the book of Revelation, partnering with Jesus in the release of God’s “action plan” for the establishing of His Kingdom on the Earth in fullness. This has three main dimensions:

A. Releasing the temporal judgments of God against the antichrist and his world empire.
B. Releasing Angelic Help to Prevail in the Heavenly Realm

Bickle teaches that Jesus’ second coming can be delayed or sped up according to the degree of the church’s spiritual maturity and readiness. He declared that most Christians are waiting passively for Jesus to return, when in actuality, Jesus is waiting for the church to prepare itself as the pure Bride of Christ and to ready itself to launch the last-day divine war to drive evil from the earth and cleanse it so that it can be filled with God’s love and glory. Bickle does not simply preach that the church will go through the Great Tribulation sealed by God’s sovereign power, but that the end-times church will actually cause God’s judgments to be released on the earth through prophetic prayer. In other words, the end-time praying church will not simply be helpless martyrs during the Great Tribulation; it will victoriously establish justice on the earth by releasing the devastating Great Tribulation judgments on the Antichrist’s global evil empire.

The Bible says that this satanic Church will make it appear they are “releasing the temporal judgments of God”–but that the power will be coming from Satan, not God. The man of sin and his cohort will claim that this satanic power validates that they are from God.

Of those who believe the Bible, the followers of the enemy will ask “Can’t God do miracles and signs and wonders?”

But the Bible has already warned believers about the source of this power. God’s Word informs us who is really doing these amazing miracles. God will not act contrary to His Word.

“And he doeth great wonders, so that he maketh fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men,”
—Revelation 13:13

“Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders,”
—2 Thessalonians 2:9

“For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.”
—Matthew 24:24

The Bible warns of chaos, great disturbances and great tribulation in the last days. Are believers to join a great end times army? Is this what God’s Word advises to do? Are we to chase after miracles, signs and lying wonders? Are we to join a worldwide Church that features signs and wonders and amazing manifestations of spirits?

“Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep. After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time. ”
–1 Corinthians 15:1-8

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”
-–Romans 1:16

While I’m certain that hyper-charismaticism is dangerous, I’m just as certain that hyper-dogmatism is the same. A few years ago, the teacher of a study I was attending, using an analogy from bowling, offered the general advice of steering clear of either gutter (though he didn’t use either of my “hyper-” terms) as I was seeking his input on my concerns over doctrines and practices of another student who was attempting to influence me. Without stating so explicitly, it was obvious he agreed with me that the other individual’s ball fell into the hyper-charismatic gutter. I never forgot that analogy. I eventually left the group over the teacher’s own promotion of others with unorthodox and heretical doctrines of the hyper-charismatic variety (after enjoying a few lunches – my treat – in which I expressed concerns).

This is a bit like saying “Police brutality is a problem, but it’s just as big a problem when the police stop speeders and give them a $20 bill instead of a ticket.”

In the times in which we live, where are these dreaded hyper-dogmatics (If we think of “dogma” in the way the author has presented it: as one end of an Experiential-Word of God spectrum)? Who is it that is such a stickler for the Bible in these last days?

Television is filled with those making a mockery of God’s Word on a 24/7 basis–and that’s just on the “Christian” TV networks.

Hyper dogmatics?

Churches are erecting idols to gods of their own choosing; trampling on the blood of Jesus Christ; preaching gnosticism; elevating experiences over Scripture; seeking after counterfeit spirits; offering a tailor-made Jesus for each pew-sitter: everywhere it seems inconvenient Bible verses are rather easily dismissed–and that’s by the teachers and preachers.

The heresies are coming so fast and thick, it’s hard to keep up with them and when Jesus asked “when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?,” it’s becoming clear it was not a rhetorical question.

Who and where are these hyper-dogmatic boogeymen?

Answer: They are straw men, set up, not so much to be demolished as to counter-balance the behaviors of those taking liberties on the other end of the spectrum; i.e., charismania.

If they did exist they might be unleashed against the popular heresies which have flooded the Church: Emergent, Dominion Theology, Word-Faith, Purpose-Driven Super Seekers, Sci-Fi Eschatology, and yes, charismania.

There are at least two lies in this enticement. Lie number one is that one can “take his fill” of “Loves”, in other words that sexual sin can actually satisfy. There can be no satisfaction in sexual immorality because it is illicit, and not about the future, but only for the fleeting moment. Satan has a minstrel named Mick Jagger who actually got it right in his hit song “I Can’t Get No Satisfaction”.

This article is titled, “The Gnostics”. One criticism that has been leveled at my sermons is this. They say: People are turned off from listening to my sermons because I dare to mention names of churches and names of denominations. They say: I should not have to mention names. I should just preach the truth, and after a while people will be able to recognize a false gospel because they have been hearing the truth so many times.

“And when thou prayest, thou shalt not be as the hypocrites are: for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen of men. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.”
—Matthew 6:5

Is it me or does it seem that many pastors are not taking heed to the call to expose false teacher, false doctrine, and false prophets? Is it because it will cause controversy and cause followers to leave their assembly?

GNOSTIC TEACHINGS IN THE CHURCH SPLIT THE BODY OF CHRIST

PRE-TRIBULATION RAPTURE

DOMINION THEOLOGY – MODERN-DAY PROPHETS, APOSTLES

BRIDAL ESCHATOLOGY

LATTER RAIN ARMY OF GOD

“There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling, One Lord, one faith, one baptism, One God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.”
—Ephesians 4:4-6

For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. “
—Romans 12:4-5

“For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
—1 Corinthians 10:17

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.”
—1 Corinthians 12:12-14

“But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him. And if they were all one member, where were the body? But now are they many members, yet but one body.”
—1 Corinthians 12:18-20

“That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another.”
—1 Corinthians 12:25

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
—Colossians 3:15

Seems fairly obvious from the cited Scripture: there is one Body of Christ. One Body, many members with Jesus Christ as the Head. That’s one of the principles of Christianity–as the many verses cited above attest.

There are not two bodies, there is one.

Yet, gnosticim–a belief system that the apostles and early church ferociously battled and which has made a tremendous comeback in the modern American Christian Church–constantly attempts to divide the Body of Christ into two portions.

According to gnostic doctrine and strategy: one part of the Body of Christ has gnosticism’s super secret knowledge of new revelations and teachings. The other part of the Body has to make do with the Bible alone.

One part of of the Body is elevated through their spiritual experiences, feelings and mysticism.

Gnostic salvation is by experience and knowledge–and many American Christian churches have rushed headlong into obtaining extra-biblical experiences and knowledge. Many have elevated experiences, feelings and emotions above God’s Word while elevating new revelation to a position, if not surpassing God’s Word, to where it sits beside Scripture.

FOUR POPULAR TEACHINGS IN THE AMERICAN CHURCH WHICH SPLIT THE BODY OF CHRIST

BODY OF CHRIST: ONE BODY, many members

At its base, gnosticism appeals to the snob in every human: follow the gnostic gurus, learn their secret knowledge, practice their rituals and regimens and become a super, elite Christian divided from the rest of the Body of Christ.

Gnosticism uses this human desire to be an “insider” and to be exalted among a select group to snare its believers. Gnosticism begins with the lure of knowledge, revelation, knowledge and experiences. It progresses until it divides the Body of Christ along those same lines. Finally, it unveils its endgame: it the same lie the serpent told Eve in the garden.

“Ye shall be as gods.”

The essence of the ancient Gnosticism was its emphasis on knowledge as the single guarantee of salvation; so much so that real salvation could only be had by those who were “in” on the knowledge, the initiate, the elite, who were permitted to know what the masses were not; salvation came not by virtue of who and what we have become in Christ, in and through His grace, but through information, “understanding who we are,” “being in touch with our inner divinity”, “becoming aware of the `real’ self,” with what our potential is, and what it is that blocks us from achieving that divine status. Americans are consumed with the need for `information.’
—The Problem of Gnosis in the American churches

“For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
—Genesis 3:5

This desire to be part of an elite group of insiders with secret, insider knowledge–to “be as gods”–and experiences and power that others do not possess is the drawing card of secret societies, such as the Masons and Jesuits.

Fallen men most definitely understand the seductive allure of forbidden knowledge.

“Of all the means I know to lead men, the most effectual is a concealed mystery. The hankering of the mind is irresistible.”
—Adam Weishaupt, Jesuit and founder of the secret society, the Illuminati

Here are just a few of the popular doctrines in American churches which split the Body of Christ into two parts.

This is something that gnosticism has labored long and hard to accomplish. NOTE: One other thing that ties these four teachings together is the unbiblical teaching of Christ returning more than once.

How do they get around this? A variety of ways: pre-tribulationists claim that Christ come first TO His Church (but doesn’t touch the earth) and then comes TO the earth (Jesus touches down on planet earth). Dominionists claim that Christ returns through His Church to first set up the kingdom.

None of this is found in the Bible.

DOMINION THEOLOGY

There are many strands of the antichrist Dominion Theology. Practically all of its sects teach that an end times Church will rise up, take dominion over the planet and cleanse the earth of everyone who does not join this Church (the “evil-doers”).

This doctrine teaches that the Church must take over the earth and present it to Jesus before He can return. This is another Jesus than taught in the Bible.

This Church will feature modern-day self-appointed, self-anointed apostles and prophets and their followers. This Church will demonstrate miracles and power and continue receiving new revelations.

Dominionism teaches Jesus first returns through his body, those in the Church which establishes dominion over all the earth.

Their doctrine divides the Body of Christ into two groups: the follower of the whore Dominion Church and those who will adhere to the Bible alone.

Two bodies of Christ: not Biblical.

PRE-TRIBULATON RAPTURE

In the doctrines of the pre-tribulation rapture, true believers will be snatched off the earth before a period of tribulation. Those who are left behind get a second chance at redemption. Those redeemed who undergo persecution are in one part of the Body of Christ, while those who were sucked up to heaven are in another part.

In fact, according to some story lines, one portion of the Body will be in heaven (the reason the currently apostate Church is taken to heaven is never really explained. What is it that qualifies this portion of the Body to escape persecution?) while the other portion of the Body will be suffering refinement through persecution.

Supposedly, one portion of the Body will be eating and drinking with Jesus–celebrating the avoidance to witness for Jesus when things get tough–while the other portion of the Body will actually be witnessing for Jesus when that witness is most needed.

Revelation 20:4 tells of the “penalty” those who are “Left Behind” suffer.

“And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
—Revelation 20:4

Those who were Left Behind to witness for Jesus get to “live and reign with Christ for a thousand years.” Modern Christianity has been deceived into thinking that the period of tribulation is God’s wrath. But God’s wrath is for His enemies; ONLY for His enemies.

“God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.”
—Nahum 1:2

According to the pre-tribulation rapture doctrines, true believers who are Left Behind endure God’s wrath and then are rewarded by living and reigning with Christ for one thousand years.

Indeed, is this not an odd way for God to treat His enemies?!?

Two bodies of Christ: not Biblical.

These doctrines have been refined by some to introduce further separation among the Body. Some teach that only the very best Christians–those who have revelation and experiences and knowledge and purity beyond other believers–will be part of this pre-tribulation rapture.

Some call this purified separate group of believers the “Bride of Christ,” which they teach is NOT Christ’s Church, but is selected from within Christ’s Church. These teachers will instruct one on how to be part of this “Bride.”

Once gnostic doctrine is introduced; once gnosticism begins dividing the One Body of Christ: it’s hard for that doctrine to remain in one place. It will always seek greater divisions. Gnosticism always seeks to fracture the One Body using elitism, knowledge and super-spirituality as its fault lines.

Again, two bodies of Christ: not Biblical.

There are numerous Scripture ( Matthew 24;29-31, Mark 13:24-27 and Revelation 7:13-14 for starters ) which clearly demonstrates that this recently-constructed rapture doctrine is in error. But one of the starkest testimonies against it is the many Scriptures testifying to the One Body of Christ.

Not two.

There is so much more which could be said about this doctrine which has invaded the modern Church after billions of dollars worth of free publicity by the Corporate Media for Left Behind and, in the 1970s, Late Great Planet Earth. There is so much more to say on this topic, it likely will be the subject of an upcoming article.

BRIDAL ESCHATOLOGY

Primarily a teaching of Mike Bickle’s International House of Prayer, this teaching divides the Body of Christ into two groups.

The IHOPpers believe they make up one group (Bride of Christ) of Super Christians–who pray and purify themselves after the manner of classic Catholic ascetics. Asceticism is an offshoot of gnosticism–and everyone else, including many true Christians who do not believe their unbiblical teachings, make up another group.

Again, two bodies of Christ are taught–which is a tip-off that the teaching is gnostic in origin.

LATTER RAIN ARMY OF GOD

The Latter Rain was a group of heretics who emerged in the 1940s and 1950s and then went underground. They have emerged again under the banner of Joel’s Army, Manifest Sons of God and other names.

Their doctrine is that God is raising up an elite army of superhuman super Christians to battle evil in the end times. This scenario is completely missing from the Bible, but who doesn’t want to have superhuman powers? Who doesn’t want to be calling the shots as part of an end times Army of God?

“No matter how we view Gnosticism, it is always an elitist faith. . . . There are certain groups of Christians that fall into the category of ‘elitism’ notwithstanding their affiliations. They use the same catch phrases: ‘Come out of your man-made systems’, ‘denominational walls are breaking down’, and ‘Christians need to be “delivered” from “Spirits of Religion” and “sound doctrine.”‘ The guilty groups are primarily among the Charismatics. . .. the common denominator is the ‘elitist’ concept. This [heresy] is set out as follows:

“God is forming an overcoming company within the body of Christ called, among other names, ‘The Manchild Company,’ . . . The Manchild Company is the true church. Those that are the real Christians are the Overcomers. . . and are becoming more and more perfected so that they will be able to drive Satan from the world. This must be done before Jesus can return. They believe that the church is not ready for the coming of the Lord. They are not looking for His imminent coming. They believe that Christ must come TO His Church before He comes FOR His Church.”

“All do not necessarily use this terminology, but the premises are the same. The language is becoming increasingly militant as the ‘Army of God,’ ‘Gideon’s Army’ or ‘Joel’s Army’ takes shape. A common thread is that they are expecting a ‘New Order’: ‘In all revolutions there are noisy and dangerous times as the OLD ORDER is replaced by the new. . . after the dust settles, we can proceed to build the beautiful kingdom that the Lord has purposed from the foundations of the World,’ says Vinson Synan, one of the leaders of AD 2000 (Fulness, Jan.-Feb. 1990, p. 24).”

This was written in 1995.

If your church is preaching that “God is raising up an end times army” or a special group of Christians will perform end times miracles and signs and wonders: FLEE!

And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
—Revelation 18:4

The Body of Christ: One Body, many members with Christ as the Head.

American Christianity has a long history of churches which have primed their members to think of a division among the Body of Christ, especially the Charismatic sects. Other Christians have divided the Body of Christ into “dead” and “alive” churches, depending upon their style of worship.

The enemy has been attacking the concept of “One Body, many members” from the very beginning of the Christian Church. He continues to attack it today.

Gnosticism is alive and well in the American Church–and its doctrines usually try to divide the Body of Christ in two.

There is only ONE Body of Christ.

Anyone who tells you differently is not following the Bible.

“For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. For the body is not one member, but many.But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.”
–1 Corinthians 12:12-14

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